Which nerve specifically elicits secretion from the submandibular gland?

Which nerve specifically elicits secretion from the submandibular gland?

• A. Lingual nerve
• B. Chorda tympani
• C. Greater petrosal nerve
• D. Glossopharyngeal

Answer: (D)

Parasympathetic secretomotor innervation of the submandibular gland comes from the facial nerve. The preganglionic fibers travel in the chorda tympani, join the lingual nerve, and synapse in the submandibular ganglion. The postganglionic fibers then travel with the lingual nerve to the gland to stimulate saliva. The glossopharyngeal nerve handles the parotid gland via the otic ganglion, not the submandibular. The greater petrosal nerve is involved with lacrimal and nasal glands, not submandibular. So the nerve that specifically elicits secretion from the submandibular gland is the chorda tympani.

Parasympathetic secretomotor innervation of the submandibular gland comes from the facial nerve. The preganglionic fibers travel in the chorda tympani, join the lingual nerve, and synapse in the submandibular ganglion. The postganglionic fibers then travel with the lingual nerve to the gland to stimulate saliva. The glossopharyngeal nerve handles the parotid gland via the otic ganglion, not the submandibular. The greater petrosal nerve is involved with lacrimal and nasal glands, not submandibular. So the nerve that specifically elicits secretion from the submandibular gland is the chorda tympani.